James Abruzzo on Ethics and Art | Big Think | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

The performing arts lack a code of ethics, leading to ethical dilemmas for professionals in the industry.

Key Insights

• 👨‍💻 Codes of ethics exist in various professions to guide ethical decision-making.
• 🖤 The performing arts lack a code of ethics, leading to uncertainties and controversies.
• 🧡 Ethical dilemmas in the performing arts range from artistic choices to potential offenses.
• 🖤 Professionals in the performing arts have to rely on personal judgment and discussions, lacking a standardized framework.
• 🎭 A code of ethics in the performing arts could help establish ethical principles and resolve conflicts.
• 🎭 Existing professional associations and organizations in the performing arts should work towards developing a code of ethics.
• 🎭 The absence of a code of ethics does not mean professionals in the performing arts are unethical, but it highlights the need for clearer guidelines and discussions.

Transcript

So every profession has a code of ethics. Doctors have a code of ethics -- the Hippocratic Oath - lawyers, accountants, journalists. In fact part of a profession is that there is a code of ethics. And museums and museum directors have an association and a code and that code says, among other things, that you can't sell a work of art from your colle... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: Why is there a need for a code of ethics in the performing arts?

A code of ethics provides guidance and principles for professionals to make ethical decisions and maintain the integrity of their art forms. Without it, there is ambiguity and disagreement about what is right or wrong.

Q: How does the lack of a code of ethics affect professionals in the performing arts?

Professionals are left to make decisions based on personal preferences, potentially leading to conflicts, controversies, and dissatisfaction among audiences or fellow artists.

Q: What are some examples of ethical dilemmas in the performing arts?

Examples include choosing whether to make significant changes to a classic production, playing repeats in a musical piece, or inserting controversial elements that might offend or be considered sacrilegious to certain groups.

Q: How can professionals in the performing arts address ethical dilemmas without a code of ethics?

Currently, professionals must rely on personal judgment, discussions with colleagues, and considering the impact on the audience and the integrity of the art form. However, a code of ethics would provide a standardized framework for decision-making.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Every profession has a code of ethics, except for the performing arts.

• Without a code of ethics, professionals in the performing arts face ethical dilemmas without guidance.

• Examples include deciding whether to play repeats in a musical piece or making significant changes to a classic production.